Don't Mow Let It Grow

Since the estate developers established grass lawns the initial aim is to significantly reduce the grass content. Over the seasons, and by allowing it to grow long, the grass will draw out and deplete certain nutrients from the soil. Over time the grasses will thin out and allow new space for natural wildflowers to grow. These don't require fertile soil but they can't compete with faster-growing grass or invasive weeds. Therefore this is not an overnight, or even a short-term, project. We can speed up the process by introducing Yellow Rattle, a semi-parasitic wildflower, that feeds off the grass roots and effectively kills them. 

The images we conjure in our minds of multicoloured flower-filled flowing wildflowers are not necessarily the summer meadows we're expecting to create. Wildflowers that come from seed packets, even the native Irish seeds, are not sourced locally, and therefore not specifically aimed at our local wildlife. Keep the designer seed packets for use in your private gardens or to solve specific issues. Resist the urge to create huge instant wildflower meadows.

1. Agree on a plan to maintain the perimeter of the site to demonstrate that the site is being maintained and erect public information signage to explain the purpose of the project.

2. A plan must be in place to check for and remove any litter or invasive weeds.

3. Make arrangements and if needed gain funding for the Autumn grass cut and clearance. This will require a different approach to the typical lawnmower and there will be a huge amount of grass to remove. What to do with the grass is often a stumbling point.